Pivoting valve device, especially an amplifier

ABSTRACT

A valve means ( 1 ) containing a switching element in the form of a switching rocker member ( 13 ). The rocking arms ( 18  and  18 ′) placed on either side of the pivotal portion ( 15 ) of the switching rocker member ( 13 ) are respectively engaged by a respective actuating diaphragm ( 35  and  35 ′) and adjacent thereto there is a closure portion ( 27  and  27 ′) associated with a duct opening ( 24  and  25 ). A valve means designed in this manner renders possible a particularly flat, planar structure with compact dimensions and a small dead volume.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a valve means and more particularly anamplifier comprising a housing, which contains a movable switchingelement having two closure portions each associated with the opening ofa fluid duct and engaged at two spaced points by two actuatingdiaphragms, which are able to be subject to fluid so that the switchingelement is able to be positioned in at least two switching positions inwhich the respectively one duct opening is closed and the respectivelyother duct opening is open.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Valve means of this type are customarily employed as pneumaticamplifiers, which are in a position to influence fluid flows with a highpressure and a high rate of flow using low control pressures. As far asthe assignee is aware pneumatic amplifiers so far devised arecharacterized by having a plunger-like switching element having twoclosure portions adapted to close and open the opening of a respectivelyassociated fluid duct in a manner dependent on the switching position ofthe switching element. The respective switching position is set byactuating diaphragms for engaging the switching element at two axiallyspaced points, and which as needed are subjected to a fluid acted uponby a control pressure. The switching over of valve means, which may betermed a diaphragm amplifier, takes place as part of a linear movementof the switching element.

It is considered to be a disadvantage of the valve means of this typethat a reduction of the overall size and a standardization of thegeometry thereof is only possible to a limited extent. The necessaryarrangement of the ducts in the interior of the housing means that acertain minimum height is more or less necessary and can not be gonebelow. If various different amplifier functions are to be realized, thenas a rule radical changes are necessary in the structure.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to create a valve means which hasmore compact dimensions and whose design is more readily adaptable.

In order to achieve this aim the switching element is constituted by aswitching rocking member adapted to perform a pivotal movement onswitching over, whose rocking arms placed on either side of the pivotalportion are engaged respectively by one of the actuating diaphragms andon which respectively one of the closure portions is provided.

It is in this manner that a valve means is provided, which may bemanufactured with an extremely low, flat form, because on the one handthe actuating diaphragm and on the other hand the closure portions maybe arranged, switching over no longer involving a linear movement butrather involves a pivoting or rocking movement of the rocker-likeswitching element which may consequently be termed a switching rockermember. The valve means may be employed in a relatively universal mannerand is suitable, given a the correct geometry, more particularly as wellin micro-actuators as a principal valve stage or in conjunction withother actuators as a high speed drive for valves having a large ratedaperture or lumen. Moreover, the design in accordance with the inventionfavors a realization of the valve means in manufacturing methods inconnection with micro-technology , because same are specificallysuitable for the manufacture of flat, laminated structures. Finally thedesign of the invention favors the manufacture of valve means havingdifferent functions, because it is particularly in the case of anamplifier that there is the possibility of clearly separating thecontrol plane and the power plane.

Further advantageous developments of the invention are defined in thedependent claims.

The switching rocker member and the actuating diaphragms are preferablyaccommodated in a common interior space in the housing. The housingitself may comprise several housing parts placed together as layers orlamellas, the two actuating diaphragms being held between the samehousing parts.

The necessary pivotal movement of the rocking member could bepredetermined exclusively by way of its attachment to the diaphragms,but however in order to ensure an exact switching function the inventionpreferably contemplates a pivotal support of the switching rocker memberat its pivot portion.

A structure would be possible in which the actuating diaphragms onlytouch the switching rocker member. Presently a design is considered tobe more convenient in which the actuating diaphragms are attached notonly on the housing but also on the inherently rigid switching rockermember.

Both the actuating diaphragms and also the duct openings associated withthe closure portions are preferably at least approximately at the samelevel as each other.

In order to produce an amplifier function in a particularly advantageousfashion there is preferably a provision such that the first and secondfluid ducts associated with the closure portions and furthermore a thirdfluid duct communicate which are common connecting chamber, by way ofwhich the fluid may be transferred, dependent on the switching positionof the switching rocker member between the third fluid duct and one ofthe two other fluid ducts. Each of the two actuating diaphragms in thiscase preferably constitutes a movable wall between the connectingchamber and a control chamber, the two control chambers being separatedfrom one another and each communicating with a control duct, by way ofwhich the action of fluid on them may be set. In the case of such astructure it is frequently possible to alter the manner of functioningsimply by changing the arrangement of the connections of the ducts, andfor instance different types of amplifiers may be realized, whichnormally set a closed position or normally set an open position.

The actuating diaphragms may be designed with the same or differentareas and in different sizes, forms and cross sections, it beingpossible to provide for preset deflections in the force-free state inorder to influence the switching position of the switching rockermember.

The closure portions may be integrated in the switching rocker member orbe in the form of separately applied sealing bodies.

In the case of the two actuating diaphragms it may be a question ofindividual diaphragms. However simpler manufacture and assembly ispossible if the actuating diaphragms are united together in a commonintegral diaphragm element.

In what follows the invention will be described in detail with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a valve means designed in theform of a pneumatic amplifier in a longitudinal section.

FIG. 2 shows a valve means of a comparable design to that of FIG. 1 in ahighly diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view, there being oneamplifier of the “normally open” type, which is illustrated in the openstate.

FIG. 3 shows the valve means of FIG. 2 in the closed position of therocking member.

FIG. 4 shows a valve means of an identical design to that of FIG. 2, inthe case of which however a different fluid connection arrangement isprovided so that there is a “normally closed” type, which is illustratedin the closed setting.

FIG. 4a shows a valve means of an identical design to that of FIG. 4,wherein the two actuating diaphragms have different areas.

FIG. 5 shows the valve means of FIG. 4 in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Firstly the general structure of a preferred working embodiment of thevalve means in accordance with the invention will be described withreference to FIG. 1.

The valve means generally referenced 1 in the present case possesses astructure rendering possible use as a pneumatic amplifier. The valvemeans 1 is in this case divided up into several superposed planesfunctionally, that is to say in a first connection plane 2, which is inthe working example is on top, a control plane 3 arranged underneath it,a power plane 4 placed thereunder and a second connection plane 5 whichis at the bottom.

The valve means 1 comprises a preferably block- or plate-like housing 6,which is made up of a plurality of housing parts 7, 8 and 9 arranged aslayers. The division up of the housing does not have to be the same asthe illustrated division into planes.

The housing 6 contains an interior space 12, in which a moving switchingelement is accommodated, which owing to its rocker-like design andmanner of operation is referred to as a switching rocker member 13.

Irrespectively of the alignment of the housing 6 adopted duringoperation the direction of the sequence of individual planes will betermed the height direction 14, which in FIG. 1 is marked by a chainedline. The switching rocker member 13 is so arranged inside the interiorspace 12 of the housing that it extends athwart the height direction 14thereof, it possible having and angled longitudinal form.

The switching rocker member 13 has a pivotal portion 15 at itslongitudinal middle point in the working example, at which it is sosupported on the housing 6 in an articulating manner by way of a pivotalbearing means 16 that in relation to the housing 6 it may perform apivotal movement 17 indicated by a double arrow, as part of whichmovement the rocker arms 18 and 18′, which extend in opposite directionsaway from the pivotal portion, are reciprocated like a see/saw. Thepivotal bearing means 16 may be a fixed component of the housing 6 or itcan be constituted by one or more separate parts, which are bornebetween the housing 6 and the pivotal portion 15 of the switching rockermember 13 and may be for instance like balls or corrugations in shape.First and second fluid ducts 22 and 23 open into the interior space 12of the housing and their openings 24 and 25 are aligned in the verticaldirection 14 and are surrounded by an annular valve seat. The valveseats 26 may be components of separate components inserted into therespective lower housing part 9. Such a design offers the advantage thatthe valve seats may be made like jets or nozzles in a simple manner.Furthermore insert parts may be employed if required which havedifferent diameters in order to provide different flow cross sections orlumens if required as part of modular system.

The arrangement is such that each opening 24 and 25 is opposite to oneof the two switching rocker arms 18 and 18′. In the portion opposite tothe respective opening 24 and 25 each switching rocker arms 18 and 18′has a closure portion 27 and 27′ of suitable sealing material and moreparticularly of plastic material having rubber-elastic properties.

As related to the height direction 14 the duct openings 24 and 25 arepreferably at the same level of the housing 6, same being placedadjacent to each other and at a distance apart athwart the heightdirection 14. Since the member 13 is slightly angled so that the rockerarms 18 and 18′ is so set at a small angle of under 180 degrees anglethat its rocking arms 18 and 18′ make an obtuse angle at the toplongitudinal side 28, opposite to the closure portions 27 and 27′ it ispossible for the switching rocker member 13 to be pivoted between twopositions of rocking, in which, respectively. the one closure portion 27and, respectively, 27′ closes the respective duct opening 24 andrespectively 25, by engagement with the associated valve seat 26, whilesimultaneously the respectively other closure portion 27′ and 27 islifted clear of the associated duct opening 25 and, respectively, 24 andpermits fluid passage through the respective duct opening. The switchingmovement takes place like the movement of a swing or see-saw.

In the second connection plane the lower housing part 9 has a thirdfluid duct 32 extending through it, which at a suitable point also opensinto the interior space 12 of the housing, the connection being open atall times. The associated duct opening 33 is preferably also aligned inthe height direction 14 and may be located between the two other ductopenings 24 and 25. In the working embodiment it is opposite to thepivotal portion 15 in the height direction 14.

The switching rocker member 13 is located in the power plane 4 in theportion, which in the working embodiment is the bottom portion, of theinterior space 12 of the housing, which space will be henceforth termedthe connection chamber 34. Dependent on the particular position ofswitching of the switching rocker member 13 there is a fluid connection,extending through the connecting chamber 35, between the third fluidduct 32 and the first or second fluid division 22 and 23.

In the portion, adjoining the switching rocker member 13 in the heightdirection 14 adjacent to the top longitudinal side 28, of the interiorspace 12 of the housing, which represent the control plane 3, there aretwo actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′. In the working embodimentillustrated they consist of a polymeric plastic material and haverubber-like properties. The arrangement is such that opposite to eachrocking arm 18 and 18′ on the longitudinal side 28 opposite to therespective the closure part 27 and 27′, there is one of the actuatingdiaphragms 35 and 35′. Thus the two actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′engage the same longitudinal section of the switching rocker member 13,on which furthermore one of the closure parts 27 and 27′ is provided,only on the opposite longitudinal side of the switching rocker member13.

It is preferred for the two actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′ to beadjacent each other as related to the height direction 14 in the controlplane 3. They respectively have outer surrounding peripheral edge part36 attached to the housing 6 in a sealing manner. In the workingembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 this is because their surroundingperipheral edge part 36 is clamped between the top housing part 7defining the first connection plane and a middle housing part 8 definingthe control plane 3 in a firm manner. The two actuating diaphragms 35and 35′ are consequently fixed between the same housing parts 7 and 8,something substantially simplifying assembly.

The surrounding peripheral edge part 36 of the actuating diaphragms 35and 35′ simultaneously constitutes the seal between the top and themiddle housing parts 7 and 8. The seal between the middle and the bottomhousing parts 8 and 9 is produced in the working example by anintermediately placed annular seal 37 between these housing parts in theperipheral part of the interior space 12 of the housing.

It will be clear that the division of the housing 6 may be different tothat illustrated and it would be more particularly possible to provideonly two housing parts, which between them define the interior space 12of the housing and between which the actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′ areclamped at the edge (comparable to the designs illustrated in FIGS. 2through 5).

At their central portion 38 the actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′ engagerespectively associated rocker arms 18 and 18′. In this respect a plainengagement by touching would be possible, but however the physicalattachment adopted in the working example is recommended, which meansthat a respective central diaphragm part 38 and 38′ is at all times onlymovable jointly with the associated rocker arm 18 and 18′ irrespectivelyof the direction of pivoting of the switching rocker member 13. In orderto simplify assembly and any necessary dismounting it may here be aquestion of a releasable type of attachment.

The desired position of switching and/or switching movement of theswitching rocker member 13 may be produced by ganged fluid operation ofthe actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′. Given a suitable operation by fluidthe central diaphragm portions 38 and 38′ are caused to move generallyin the height direction 14, such movement being transmitted to theswitching rocker member 13 with a thrusting or drawing effect. Becausethe central diaphragm portions 38 and 38′ are held by way of elasticintermediate portions 42 in a flexible manner on the surroundingperipheral edge portions 36, during the pivoting or rocking movement ofthe switching rocker member 13 they readily allow for the small changein direction of the movement.

It is possible to provide the valve means with a spring means 47indicated in chained lines in FIG. 2 for example, which bears againstthe housing 6 and the switching rocker member 13 and biases theswitching rocker member 13 in a regular manner into a switching positionrepresenting the home position of the valve means.

The actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′ divide up the interior housing space12 into the above mentioned connecting chamber 34 and into two controlchambers 43 and 43′ associated with respectively one of the actuatingdiaphragms 35 and 35′. Each actuating diaphragm 35 and 35′ constitutes afluid-tight, moving wall between the connecting chamber 34 and a controlchamber 43 and 43′ arranged on the side opposite to the switching rockermember 13. Each of the control chambers 43 and 43′ communicates with itsown control duct 44 and 44′ extending in the first connection plane 2and, in the working example, through the top housing part 7. The controlducts 44 and 44′ open like the fluid ducts 22, 23 and 32 at their outerend at the outer face of the housing 2, where there is the possibilityof connecting up fluid ducts leading to other equipment.

In what follows a first preferred manner of operation of the valve means1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the diagrammaticdrawings simultaneously indicating some possibilities of modification inthe design structure of the valve means.

The fluid circuit diagram of the valve means 1 in accordance with FIGS.2 and 3 is so selected that the first fluid duct 22 constitutes aventing duct, which is connected with a pressure sink and moreparticularly with the atmosphere R, whereas the second fluid duct 23constitutes a supply duct, which is connected with a source P ofpressure, which makes available a pressure medium, which is moreespecially gaseous and is subject to a working pressure. The third fluidduct 32 is a power duct which is able to be connected with a load A, asfor instance a principal valve, which is to be controlled by the valvemeans 1 with a pilot function or a directly connected load. The firstcontrol duct 44, which is associated with the first actuating diaphragm35 cooperating with that rocker arm 18 which controls the opening of thefirst fluid duct 22, constitutes a second venting duct, which like thefirst fluid duct 22, is continuously connected with a pressure sink andis more particularly connected with the atmosphere, something which isindicated by the letter R′. The second control duct 44′ associated withthe second control chamber 43′ and the second actuating diaphragm 35′.constitutes a principal control duct, which is connected with a controlpressure source P_(s) able to supply a variable control pressure, atleast two pressure values being possible in the present case, on the onehand the atmospheric pressure or pressure of the surroundings and on theother hand a pressure level corresponding to the power or workingpressure. The action of the pressure is controlled by means of a valve(not illustrated) associated with the second control duct 44′.

The valve may be operated not only with a gaseous but also withhydraulic pressure medium.

FIG. 2 shows the home position of the valve means, in the case of whichit is here a question of an open position, which is produced by theapplication of a control pressure of zero bar to the second control ductor, respectively, principal control duct 43′, that is to say the secondcontrol chamber 43′ is vented. The balance of forces occurring at theactuating diaphragms 35 and 35′ and the switching rocker member 13 thenmeans that the switching rocker 13 is pivoted into a switching position,in which the connection between the venting duct 22 and the connectingchamber 34 is closed, whereas simultaneously the supply duct 23communicates with the connecting chamber 34 owing to the closure portion27′ being moved clear of its duct opening 25 so that the pressure mediumat the lower pressure level may flow into the power duct 32 andconsequently to a connected load A.

In order to vent the load A a higher control pressure is applied to theprincipal control duct 44, such pressure being equal to the powerpressure in the working example. The balance of forces now existingresults in a rocking or pivotal motion of the switching rocker member 13into the second switching position representing the opened position asindicated in FIG. 3. The connection between the supply duct 23 and theconnecting chamber 34 is interrupted here, whereas simultaneously thepressure medium may flow off from the load A by way of the connectingchamber 34 into the venting duct 22 constituted by the first fluid duct,because the closure portion 27 associated with latter is open.

All in all the valve means 1 is able to perform a {fraction (3/2)} valvefunction in the working example.

While in the working embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 the selected fluidcircuit diagram means that there is a valve means of the “normally open”type, the working example of FIGS. 4 and 5 represents a valve means ofthe “normally closed” type owing to its slightly modified connectionarrangement.

In the case of the working embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 the connection ofthe three fluid ducts 22, 23 and 32 of the power plane corresponds tothat of the working example of the FIGS. 2 and 3. The changes in thefluid connections only relate to the control plane and, respectively,the two control ducts 44 and 44′.

Thus gage pressure is continuously present at the second control duct44′ and accordingly in the associated second control chamber 43′ sincethere is a constant connection with a first source P′ of controlpressure, the control pressure in the working example being equal to thepower pressure present in the supply duct 23. The volume of compressedair held in the control chamber 43′ consequently constitutes a pneumaticspring, which effects closure of the supply duct 23 as long as there isa control pressure of for example zero bar in the first control chamber43 and, respectively, in the first control duct 44 connected with same.This is achieved because the first control duct 44 is connected with asecond control pressure source P_(s), by way of which a control pressurewith a variable pressure level may be supplied. If such control pressureis equal to the pressure of the atmosphere, the switching rocker member13 will assume the closed position illustrated in FIG. 4, the supplyduct 23 being closed and a connection being produced between the powerduct 32 and the venting duct 22. For switching over into the openposition depicted in FIG. 5, the second control pressure source P_(s)produces a gage pressure in the first control chamber 43, which gagepressure may be equal to the power pressure, something which results ina displacement of the balance of forces so that the switching rockermember 13 is pivoted in the open position, in which the three fluidducts 22, 23 and 32 are connected together in the fashion alreadydescribed with reference to FIG. 2.

It will be seen that the valve means 1 renders possible a modificationof the valve and amplifier functions which are possible without havingperform substantial changes in design and in fact it is essentiallysufficient to change the fluid connection of some valves.

FIGS. 2 through 5 furthermore serve to indicate that it is an advantageto arrange the outer duct openings of the first, second and third fluidducts 22, 23 and 32, provided on the outer side of the housing 6, atleast approximately at the same level perpendicular to the heightdirection 14 adjacent to one another. In a similar manner it is moreparticularly possible to arrange for the outer openings of the controlducts 44 and 44′, present on the outer side of the housing 6, to be alsoat least approximately at the same level perpendicularly to the heightdirection 14 adjacent to each other.

In the case of the working examples of FIGS. 2 and 5 the two actuatingdiaphragms 35 and 35′ are in the form of mutually separate components.On the other hand in the case of the working example of FIG. 1 they arecollected together integrally in a common diaphragm element 45,something which simplifies manufacture and assembly. In both cases theactuating diaphragms are preferably manufactured at least in part of arubber-like elastic material, at least in the elastic intermediateportions 42, a polymer material being preferred.

An arrangement which is particularly readily assembled is produced ifthe switching rocker member 13, the actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′ andthe closure portions 27 and 27′ are united as a common element.

While in the working embodiment of FIG. 1 the pivotal bearing means 16is provided adjacent to bottom longitudinal side 29 of the switchingrocker member 13 opposite to the actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′, in theworking examples of FIGS. 2 through 5 it is located adjacent to the toplongitudinal side 28 of the switching rocker member 13 facing theactuating diaphragms 35 and 35′. To precisely set an exact range ofpivoting it would however be possible as well to provide suitable guidemeans on the top side and also on the bottom side. Furthermore it wouldbe feasible to ensure the desired switching over characteristic simplyby the attachment of the switching rocker member 13 on the actuatingdiaphragms 35 and 35′ and to do without an additional supportingengagement of the pivotal portion on the housing.

Changes in the switching characteristic of the valve means may also beprovided by having the diaphragms not of equal area as in the workingexample but with different areas, forms and/or cross sections, as shownin FIG. 4a. It is furthermore possible to so design the actuatingdiaphragms that in the condition free of forces they retain thedeflections imparted to them.

While in the working example of FIG. 1 the closure portions 27 and 27′are set in the switching rocker member 13, so that it is possible tospeak of an integral construction, the working examples of FIGS. 2through 5 as separate sealing bodies possess closure portions 27 and 27′arranged on the corresponding longitudinal side of the switching rockermember 13.

As already noted, the housing 6 in the working embodiment of FIG. 1 isdivided into three housing parts 7, 8 and 9, the clamping in place ofthe actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′ being between the top housing part 7having the control ducts 44 and 44′ and the middle housing part 8adjoining same. The middle housing part 8, which may be termed anintermediate plate, ensures on the one hand a reliable sealing functionbetween the control chambers 43 and 43′ and on the other handfacilitates working with different actuating diaphragms having differentareas and/or being separate.

A particularly compact and flat design of the valve means 1 is moreparticularly ensured if the actuating diaphragms 35 and 35′ and the ductopenings 24 and 25 controlled by the switching rocker member 13 arerespectively arranged adjacent to each other in a perpendiculardirection, the perpendicular direction extending athwart and moreparticularly at a right angle to the mutually parallel longitudinal axes46 and 46′ of the duct openings 24 and 25, such longitudinal axes beingaligned in the same direction in the working example as the heightdirection 14.

One advantage of the working examples is also that owing to thearrangement of the outer openings of the fluid ducts 22, 23 and 32 onthe one hand and the control ducts 44 and 44′ on the other hand regularor defined points of intersection may be produced, which render possiblethe use of the valve means as a modular component in the form of auniversal “insert”. Furthermore by different connection up of thecontrol chambers 43 and 43′ with line, control and atmospheric pressureit is possible to ensure a simple attainment of different valve stateswithout further modifications of the valve means.

In accordance with a convenient further development it is possible forthe output volumetric to be varied in proportion to pressure in one ofthe two control chambers 43 and 43′ so that together with a suitableactuator element an indirectly operating or regulating valve may beproduced. Furthermore there is the possibility of producingamplification of pressure by having two additional diaphragms placed inthe power plane and having a smaller area than the above mentionedactuating diaphragms simultaneously with the amplification of quantityor rate.

Last but not least it is to be noted that the tension state or theposition of one or more diaphragms may be utilized to detect the settingquantity, this being more particularly possible in the case of use ofthe valve means as an amplifier.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve means comprising a housing which containsa movable switching element having two closure portions each associatedwith an opening of a fluid duct and engaged at two spaced points by twoactuating diaphragms, which are able to be subject to fluid so that theswitching element is able to be positioned in at least two switchingpositions in which the respectively one duct opening is closed and therespectively other duct opening is open, the switching element beingconstituted by a switching rocking member adapted to perform a pivotalmovement on switching over, whose rocking arms placed on either side ofa pivotal portion are engaged respectively by one of the actuatingdiaphragms and on which respectively one of the closure portions isprovided, the two first and second fluid ducts associated with theclosure portions and furthermore a third fluid duct communicating with acommon connecting chamber, the third fluid duct being connected,dependent on the switching position of the switching rocker member, byway of the connecting chamber with the first or with the second fluidduct, the third fluid duct opening into the connecting chamber betweenthe two other fluid ducts and in this respect opposite to the pivotalportion of the switching rocker member adjacent to a bottom longitudinalside of the switching rocker member and in that a pivotal bearing meansfor the switching rocker member is only located adjacent to a toplongitudinal side of the switching rocker member.
 2. The valve means asset forth in claim 1, wherein the switching rocker member and theactuating diaphragms are accommodated in a common interior space of thehousing.
 3. The valve means as set forth in claim 1, wherein theactuating diaphragms are each attached to the housing on the one handand on the other hand to the switching rocker member.
 4. The valve meansas set forth in claim 1, wherein the two actuating diaphragms arearranged adjacent to each other perpendicularly to the height directionat least approximately at the same level.
 5. The valve means as setforth in claim 1, wherein the two duct openings associated with theclosure portions are arranged adjacent to each other perpendicularly tothe height direction at least approximately at the same level.
 6. Thevalve means as set forth in claim 1, wherein the two actuatingdiaphragms on the one hand and the two closure portions on the otherhand are provided on mutually opposite longitudinal sides of the rockermember.
 7. The valve means set forth in claim 1, wherein the switchingrocker member, the actuating diaphragms and the closure portions arecollected together in a common element.
 8. The valve means as set forthin claim 1, wherein the two actuating diaphragms respectively constitutea fluid-tight moving wall between the connecting chamber and a controlchamber, each control chamber being subject to a control pressure, thecontrol pressures being able to be selected independently of oneanother.
 9. The valve means as set forth in claim 8, wherein eachcontrol chamber communicates with a control duct, the outer ductopenings provided on the outer side of the housing of the control ductsbeing arranged adjacent to each other perpendicularly to the heightdirection at least approximately at the same level.
 10. The valve meansas set forth in claim 1, wherein the two actuating diaphragms are madewith different areas.
 11. The valve means as set forth in claim 1,wherein the actuating diaphragms consist at least partially of rubberelastic material.
 12. The valve means as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe two actuating diaphragms are united as a common diaphragm element.13. The valve means as set forth in claim 1, wherein the housingconsists of a plurality of housing parts piled on each other as layers,the two actuating diaphragms being clamped between the same housingparts.
 14. The valve means as set forth in claim 1, wherein the outerduct openings of the fluid ducts provided on the outer side of thehousing are arranged adjacent to each other perpendicularly to theheight direction at least approximately at the same level.
 15. The valvemeans as set forth in claim 1, wherein the switching rocker member isbiased by a spring means into one switching position.